apple-polishing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "apple-polishing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of trying to gain favor or approval from someone, often through flattery or sycophantic behavior. Example: "His constant compliments and attempts at apple-polishing made it clear he was trying to win the boss's favor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Now the apple-polishing George Tenet is gone.

The New York Times

Mr. Balanoff's testimony suggested he had mixed apple-polishing of Blago with tough love.

The New York Times

He could thus clearly tolerate a few television reporters' apple-polishing queries: Any disappointments so far?

The New York Times

A little apple-polishing is understandable for a reporter whose day job depends upon access.

The New Yorker

To some, fulsome praise means "full-fledged acknowledgment of worthiness"; to others, it means "overboard apple-polishing; nauseating flattery".

The New York Times - Magazine

So now, in debates, he is doomed to be Annoying Boy, apple-polishing and doing that smug-mugging.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This is technically correct, but deliberately misleading — a trick that Seife calls "apple polishing".

The New York Times - Books

But given that he has been profitably employed for nearly three years by the house's owner, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, and on Tuesday accepted the British designer of the year award, his third, from the Prince himself, Mr. McQueen's earnest declaration might just be apple polishing.

The New York Times - Style

God doesn't need us to apple-polish Him just so He'll let us go to heaven.

Huffington Post

Remember to stock up on cakes, Cadbury's, sweets, pretzels, fudge, cookies, brownies, toffee apples, nail polish, lip gloss, mascara, foundation, eyeliner, blusher, eyeshadow, eyelash curlers, Tango, coke, Pepsi max, water oh the list is endless.

WikiHow

"We used to have Polish apples, now we have apples from Asia.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "apple-polishing", consider the audience. While widely understood, it carries a negative connotation, suggesting insincerity. Opt for more neutral terms like "building rapport" if a positive framing is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "apple-polishing" in formal or professional settings where a negative impression could be detrimental. In such contexts, more neutral terms such as "networking" or "relationship building" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "apple-polishing" primarily functions as a noun or gerund, describing the act of seeking favor through flattery. Ludwig's examples show it modifying verbs, indicating the manner in which someone interacts with others.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "apple-polishing" is a commonly used phrase to describe the act of seeking favor through flattery, often with negative connotations. While grammatically correct, consider the context and audience before using it. More neutral alternatives exist if you don't wish to imply insincerity. Ludwig's analysis, in line with the source data, finds this expression particularly prevalent in news and media, serving to negatively characterize behavior, but also present in science and business domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

currying favor

Emphasizes the attempt to gain approval or advantage through specific actions.

brown-nosing

Very informal and negative term implying blatant and insincere flattery.

bootlicking

Similar to "brown-nosing" but even more demeaning and suggestive of servility.

kissing up

Informal and direct way of describing the act of trying to gain favor through flattery.

sucking up

Informal term indicating excessive flattery and obsequiousness for personal gain.

toadying

Implies behaving like a 'toady', someone who flatters and is subservient to superiors.

sycophancy

Formal term denoting the use of flattery to gain favor from authority.

ingratiating oneself

Focuses on the process of trying to make oneself likeable to someone.

fawning

Suggests exaggerated flattery and affection, often insincere.

flattering

Focuses on the act of giving compliments, without necessarily implying ulterior motives.

FAQs

What does "apple-polishing" mean?

"Apple-polishing" refers to the act of trying to gain favor or approval from someone, usually a superior, through flattery or servile behavior.

What are some synonyms for "apple-polishing"?

Synonyms for "apple-polishing" include "brown-nosing", "sucking up", "flattering", and "currying favor". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "apple-polishing" a formal or informal term?

"Apple-polishing" is generally considered an informal term and often carries a negative connotation. It's best used in casual conversation or when you want to emphasize the insincerity of the flattery.

How can I avoid being accused of "apple-polishing"?

To avoid being seen as engaging in "apple-polishing", ensure your compliments and praise are genuine and specific. Focus on the merits of the work or the person's achievements rather than offering generic flattery.